Resection of metatarsal heads

Resection of metatarsal heads is a commonly used surgery to correct bone deformity in toes Click here to see an illustration. caused by rheumatoid arthritis. A part of one of the affected toe bones, the phalangeal head, is removed so that the toe can lie flat. The affected tendons are released and attached again to conform to the new, correct toe position. The toe is then held in place with wires for several weeks. The wires can be removed in the doctor's office.


Author: Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH Last Updated: August 18, 2008
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology

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